Key Largo, Florida

Swim with the Dolphins!

Dolphins Plus is committed to the conservation and protection of marine mammals worldwide through education, research, experiential learning, and environmental awareness. Their facility is about an hour South of Miami, in sunny Key Largo, Florida (Florida Keys). They are located on a canal, adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, thus creating natural seawater homes for their Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lion. This creates an enriching and stimulating environment for both their marine mammals and the visitors. The marine mammal interaction programs entail a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with the dolphins and sea lion for an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. In addition, they offer exceptional marine mammal classes for students of all ages, as well as a research program designed to promote a greater understanding of marine mammals worldwide.

They offer two, unique dolphin interaction programs, called the “structured swim” and the “unstructured swim”. During the former, guests enter the water to participate in a series of hands-on, trained behaviors with the dolphins (e.g. belly rubs, foot pushes, and kisses), mediated by an experienced dolphin trainer. The unstructured program involves entering the water with snorkeling gear and was designed to simulate what swimming with dolphins in the wild might be like. Thus, it does not involve hands-on contact.

In addition, they host year-round classes for students of all ages, including private classes for groups of 4 or more. The classes range from 1 – 4 days in length and entail a variety of dynamic lectures and laboratory classes, field trips designed to explore local ecosystems (e.g. coral reef snorkeling and backcountry kayak tours), and dolphin swims/encounters. They also host school groups of all sizes at their facility throughout the year.

For more information, please visit www.DolphinsPlus.com

Charleston, South Carolina

The Original Charleston Walks - The Best Tours In Charleston’s History!

Charleston Single House & Garden

Charleston lends itself to walking tours. The historic district is beautiful, concentrated, flat -- and the city’s story is so rich that it needs the walking pace to be fully appreciated. Several sites, moreover, are often open to the public at no charge -- the oldest church building still standing here, St. Michael’s Episcopal (c1761) and the lovely Dock Street Theater (c1736), for example. In springtime, the smells of Jessamine and tea olive alone make you want to linger in the open air, and the view of the harbor from one or another of the waterfront parks is simply splendid. See Charleston with a walk – it’s the way to go.

A wide variety of walks offer a view of the many different facets of this historical city. The Original Charleston Walk, Ghosts and Legends, Historic Homes, The Civil War Walk, the Patriots Walk, Slavery & Freedom, and Pirates & Buccaneers, there's something for almost every interest.

www.americabyfoot.com

Scottsdale, Arizona

Mondrian Scottsdale was designed by rising international star Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz. Drawing his inspiration from the Garden of Eden, Noriega-Ortiz created a unique retreat offering rest, rejuvenation, fun and entertainment in a vibrantly pleasure-driven environment.  Courtesy Scottsdale CVB

Mondrian Scottsdale Asks Guests: Who Do You Want To Be?

Slip away on vacation under a new guise with the Mondrian Scottsdale's new Who Do You Want to Be? campaign. As part of the special, the hotel is offering five new packages with distinct experiences suited for every type of traveler. Run away from daily stresses with The Escapist package and delight in every indulgence needed for a relaxing weekend. Catch up on your Z's with a late check-out after waking up to breakfast in bed or add a little "spirit" to the night with a 25 percent discount on mini-bar products. The package starts at $100 and includes 25 percent off at Agua Bathhouse Spa, one complimentary movie per night, a bottle of champagne or wine, and $100 in food and beverage credits. A little self-indulgence isn't such a bad thing with The Hedonist package that includes a free mini spa treatment, complimentary breakfast, a box of cupcakes from Asia de Cuba and a pitcher of caipirinha to enjoy poolside as you delight in life's greatest pleasures. Rates start at $120.

The Romantic brings lovebirds together for a chance to rekindle the romance as you enjoy a complimentary room upgrade, breakfast in bed with your sweetie, champagne and strawberries, and a late check-out. Want to live the high life? The Socialite allows you to do just that with complimentary cocktails, VIP treatment at Asia de Cuba and guaranteed high-roller access to Redbar. And for those who can't get away for a little fun, The Road Warrior offers business travelers tools essential for success. A room upgrade, complimentary business center access, wireless internet, unlimited local calls, continental breakfast, daily newspaper and in-room coffee service are included in addition to a special concierge that unpacks your bags for you! Packages are valid thru Sept. 30.

Visit www.mondrianscottsdale.com for more information.

Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Healing Waters: A Travel Destination for Centuries
The Springs Resort & Spa… Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Billowy steam rises each morning from the banks of the San Juan River as it gently flows through the heart of Pagosa Springs, Colorado---a 1 hour scenic drive east of Durango, CO. A comforting aura surrounds visitors as they make their way to the 17 individually temperatured soaking pools terraced along the river’s bank. The acoustics of the river and the serenity of the travelers slipping into the warm, curative waters generate an anticipation of relaxation, rejuvenation, and reward.

This ancient ritual of a healing soak is the foundation for the existence of this small but vibrant mountain town at the base of Wolf Creek Pass. Pagosa means “healing water” in the ancient Ute Indian language and the power of the waters is legendary in Native American lore. The spring is the world’s largest and deepest hot mineral spring.

To add to the resort’s unforgettable experience, The Healing Waters Salon & Spa offers body treatments, such as Raindrop Therapy, hot stone massage, body wraps, spa facials and the most experienced, well- trained massage therapists in the Four Corners region. Spa pedicures and manicures are also a must. Harmony Works Organic Juice Bar/Café, Juan’s Mountain Sports and Astara Boutique tempt guests as they make their way through the resort to the steamy, curative pools.

An experience like no other….The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Spa, Golf, Adventure, Romance and Ski Packages are all available

Visit www.pagosahotsprings.com for more information.